Things to Remember

This is my friend Cami.

Looks pretty happy, doesn't she?

That's because she just got her husband back from deployment.  I wasn't there for his arrival--it was at 4:30a.m.--but when I saw this photo of the family reunion...

One happy family!!

I asked if I could post it here with a few details.

Seriously, the longest night ever!  He was suppose to be in at 12:10 am.  We arrived, in the horrid downpour,  at the hanger at 12, and the plane had just diverted to Hokkaido.  We were told not to expect them for 12 hours.  So we went home and everyone gets to bed by 1:00.  Then I get a phone call at 3:30 saying they are expected to land in 30 minutes.  I wake the kids back up, load up, and arrive back at the hangar at 4:00 am.  He finally comes in around 4:30 and life is good again. 

The best part though, was telling the kids that we were going to pick up Dad.  I didn't tell them until it was time to go.  I explained everything to A as I was dressing her.  While I was doing her hair she says, "Mom, why are you putting things in my hair?  I can't lay down then."  I told her, again, we were going to pick up daddy.  She was finally awake enough that it registered and she got the biggest grin and started to cry.  P, he was up and dressed, grinning from ear to ear, before I closed his door.  I  am so glad things worked out!

Cory was gone for 230 days.  Encompassing the earthquake and all of the aftermath.  Women who survive husband deployments are already my hero's.  The women who survived THIS deployment should be sainted.

Welcome home, Cory!

Happy Memorial Day, Everyone!

A few more happy homecomings HERE and HERE!

Misawa Monday Preparedness Perspective - Anna

I asked Anna if she had anything to add before I published her account.  She said she hadn't really written it as a post-- just a few thoughts off the top of her head.  Then told me I was lucky to get anything at all, considering.  Considering what you ask?  Considering her husband was deployed--and had been deployed for many, many, long, long months at the time of the earthquake.  And then for many long, shaky, stressful weeks after.  In her words "It was a very dark time".  Literally, people!

Since Anna and her two little girls live near the beach, when the tsunami warning sounded, she grabbed her kids and dog and headed to higher ground.  Specifically, to the home of our friends Dave and Erin.  Turns out, when we had had a tsunami warning earlier in the year, Dave had mentioned that his home was situated at one of the highest points in Misawa.  So Anna showed up on their door-step unannounced (no phones, remember...) and stayed for a few days.

Have I mentioned that Misawa is filled with really really good people?
It is.

Here's Anna:
--

Hey, I had a paint can heater

http://pgward.org/ep/archives/215

Not where I originally got the instructions from, but I can't find that emergency preparedness blog again (figures). I didn't use it at the Fs cause Dave was worried about carbon monoxide, but I was fairly certain it didn't produce it, since i got it from an emergency preparedness site specifically for use inside cars/rooms at night.

Anyway. My kitchen was FREEZING the first few nights after and the electric heater is worthless in there cause it's backed up against a wall with a narrow mini alley in front of it. So I put my heater on a footstool in the middle of my kitchen and i was AMAZED at how great it worked!

So teeny, but put out quite a bit of heat. Downside, obviously, flame. I put it in a #10 can to sort of 'contain' the flame but I don't know that it did any good really. Depends on your situation/curiosity of your kids I guess.

I got a honkin' toilet paper roll though, so once I removed the core I had to use scissors to cut it and sort of jelly roll it to make it fit in the can. But they store easy and bottles of rubbing alcohol are cheap and it would have been perfect if we were without heat in the bedroom on colder nights. (of course, minding the flame, but still.)

I won't be without them ever again probably no matter where I live.

I also know how to make a cardboard oven, which I was about to use until I realized I didn't really need to bake anything, but had a propane shortage continued, I definitely would have used it. . . let me find the link....

http://safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-make-cardboard-box-oven.html

Charcoal is easy to store and have too. Would be great to make cakes, 'comfort food' during times of stress. I know I've had Cinnabon about 18 times in the past 2 weeks. . . soooo. . . . . yeah : )

Anna

--

Just for the record, after numerous lengthy delays, (thanks for nothing, Libya!)  Anna's husband JUST got home and they were last seen holding hands and gazing adoringly into each other's eyes.  

As far as you know.  

Welcome home Tyler!

Deep (Sunday) Thoughts--NOT by Jack Handey

Listened to the below talk earlier today, then needed to re-visit it this evening after a less-than-peaceful putting to bed of four small boys sans husband.  Have you ever seen a nine and six-year-old fight over a baby?   I mean that literally--Max was running across the house with Gray (barely) in his arms while Sam chased after violently trying to get him (Gray) back and screaming at the top of his (Sams) lungs.  I stopped them and rescued Gray before the tug-of-war began.  There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth--even before I came out of the bathroom and sent all boys to their respective beds!
I only wanted two (okay, five) minutes of bathroomly peace!  Is that too much to ask?!?  (Evidently!)

These angelic little punks may be the death of me!

What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to Be?

by Lynn G. Robbins

...When children misbehave, let’s say when they quarrel with each other, we often misdirect our discipline on what they did, or the quarreling we observed. But the "do"—their behavior—is only a symptom of the unseen motive in their hearts. We might ask ourselves, “What attributes, if understood by the child, would correct this behavior in the future? Being patient and forgiving when annoyed? Loving and being a peacemaker? Taking personal responsibility for one’s actions and not blaming?”

How do parents teach these attributes to their children? We will never have a greater opportunity to teach and show Christlike attributes to our children than in the way we discipline them. Discipline comes from the same root word as disciple and implies patience and teaching on our part. It should not be done in anger. We can and should discipline the way that Doctrine and Covenants 121 teaches us: “by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness and pure knowledge” (verses 41–42). These are all Christlike be’s that should be a part of who we, as parents and disciples of Christ,are. 

A sweet and obedient child will enroll a father or mother only in Parenting 101. If you are blessed with a child who tests your patience to the nth degree, you will be enrolled in Parenting 505....With which child will your patience, long-suffering, and other Christlike virtues most likely be tested, developed, and refined? Could it be possible that you need this child as much as this child needs you?...

Our children are God’s children. That is their true identity and potential. His very plan is to help His children overcome mistakes and misdeeds and to progress to become as He is. Disappointing behavior, therefore, should be considered as something temporary, not permanent—an act, not an identity....

Click the title for the full text.  Excellent read if you have a few minutes.  Plus, the above excerpt makes more sense in context and without my editing.  And now I shall go drop exhausted into bed!  

Good-night!

My Head and My Heart = All Over the Place

We're moving soon.  Eight short weeks give or take a few days.  When I talk to people, they ask if I'm excited.  Or scared.  Or sad.  Or happy.

Yes.
All of the above.

Happy to be getting out of the military.  Sad and terrified to be getting out of the military.  Happy to leave Japan.  So sad to leave Japan.  Happy to go back to the states.  So stressed about all entailed to get back to the states.  There is so much to look forward to.  And so much we're leaving behind.

BUT, I leave here with absolutely no regrets.  We've done SO MANY AWESOME THINGS while living here in Japan.  And made even more awesome friends.  Friends that are closer and much dearer to our hearts than most of our family members currently.  (Sorry family, but you're not great at keeping in touch.  Or visiting.  Or calling.  Or writing.  Or visiting.  Or writing.  Or calling.  You exceptions know who you are.)

There are so many millions of things we're going to miss about Japan.  Here are just a few;

*The amazing, courteous, friendly, smiling, genuinely happy to see you CUSTOMER SERVICE people every where you go.  Especially restaurants and retail stores.  Included in this catagory, the service professionals that come into my home--ie, repairmen.  (I use the masculine form because I've never had a repairWOman here.

Mini Rant:  Did you know that I have NEVER had a Japanese repairman show up late for an appointment?  NE-VER in three years.  They show up early, park in front of my house, and walk up to the door at the exact appointed time.  They come with all the required parts to fix the washer/dryer/disposal/dishwasher/fridge/sink or whatever.  They come in teams (two or three) so the job gets done quickly.  They take their shoes off before traipsing through my house.  They work quickly and efficiently and NEVER say they have to order the part and will get back to me in two to three weeks.  They do not ogle me and do not make me the least bit nervous or fearful of my safety or virtue.  As a former homeowner, I can safely say American customer service is horrifically deficient and woefully inadequate in comparison.  (And even in non-comparisson.)  I love you Japanese repairman!  I really, REALLY love you.

*The 100 Yen Store and all of the marvelous treasures it holds.  (I've actually heard a rumor that there is a genuine 100 Yen Store in San Diego.  But it sounds too good to be true.)

*We're going to miss the millions of festivals during the summer and funny holidays and beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and interesting culture all year round...

*We're going to miss the yummy food and super friendly Japanese nationals.

*We're going to miss our friends more than anything.  Work, school and church.  We have an amazing community here.   And being so far from home, you tend to make pretty strong, close friendships.

---
Lately, to keep from getting too sad when I think about all of the above, I try to think about things I hate about living here.  No place is without its trials.  For example, Misawa has CROWS!

*I hate crows.  Yes, crows.  Yes, I actually actively hate this type of bird.  This is a farming community.  Maybe that's why there are so many stinking crows here and why they're so LARGE.  I swear they could carry off Baby Gray! (and probably would if I left him unattended.)  They're big, they're ugly, and if your son forgets to take out the trash bag on the front porch, they'll tear it to bits and spread garbage everywhere.  I H.A.T.E. them.  I don't even care that we don't say "hate."  I hope I never see another crow after we move!  (Don't think I'm excited to see YOU though, Seagulls!)

*I hate winter.  But that's not really Misawa's fault.  I've always hated winter.  At least for my entire adult life.  I hate multiple months of cold.  I hate S.A.D.  I hate melty, slushy, dirty blackish-brownish Feb/March snow, and I hate when it melts and shows all the dead brown stuff underneath it.  I really hate it when it snows in April, and even more when it snows in May.
I'm sticking my tongue out at you, Winter.

*I hate not having Target and Costco.  (But too be fair, Doug LOVES me not having Target and Costco. And I'll admit to making great use of Target.com.  But still...not the same.)

That's all I can think of for now.
But if I think of anything else I really truly hate, you'll be the first to know.

In the mean time, I'm going to go search Craigslist.com for houses in Southern California while dreaming of sunny, crow-free days!

Wish me luck!

How to Help Japan Right Now...

So I've been thinking about YOU people lately and how I hear from a lot of people who want to help Japan.  People want to send pillow cases and blankets and coats and food and water.  And for the most part I have to say "I'm so sorry...no."

Because we (Doug and I and also people on the base) just don't have the means to distribute these things to where they'll do the most good.

Buy this print on Etsy here!

So instead, we have to say, "Just donate money..."

But that isn't as satisfying.  I realize that.  It seems so impersonal.

So, like I said, I've been thinking.  (A dangerous pass-time, I know...)  

How can I help you help Japan?

Unfortunately, the "Paper Crane" project is finished.  (They received over one million cranes and doubled their donation--contributing $400,000 to Sendai relief!)
Operation Backpack is still going strong, but will not be accepting donations in a few more weeks.
So what else can you do?

Here's what I was thinking.  I know donating money isn't very fun, but maybe this would make it a little more...personal.
How about holding a Rummage Sale or Bake Sale with your friends or church group...
Or better yet, a Gourmet Dessert Auction!  (Ummmm....dessssseeeerrrrrtttt....!)

See how much money you can raise.

Write a check to the Red Cross.

Send the check to me.

I'll hand deliver it to the Red Cross people here on base.  And take a picture doing it.  And post it here.  So you'll see your money being physically delivered to the precise area it is needed.  Here in Japan.

Maybe that sounds a little anti-climatic.  But consider this:
You could have a fund raiser, buy a bunch of supplies, ship them here and then find out...
...that the needs have changed.
...that the shipping was terribly expensive.
...that the Red Cross could have gotten four times as many supplies buying in bulk, with the same amount of money...

See why a check is more practical?

Anyway, just a thought.  If you're interested, you've got exactly 8 weeks to get a check to me.  (Not made out to me...just delivered to me.)
(Of course, if you can't deliver within 8 weeks, which is when I'm moving, I'll just hook you up with a local friend.  Um...Lyana...?)

It's the best idea I can come up with using my limited brain power.  (The part that hasn't been addled by repeated Nerf gun assaults and diaper fumes.)

Let me know if you want to do it.  Or if you have a better idea.  I'm open to suggestions!  Leave a comment or drop me an e-mail!
(emilydeon(at)gmail(dot)com)
And again, thank you for your help and concern!
:)
--Emily

How is Life in Japan These Days???

Answer:  Very strange.  (At least to me.)

It's weird around here and these are just a few of the reasons why:

* It's Spring.  Allegedly.  But it's still cold and dreary almost every day.  The weather tries to warm up every so often, but then poops out and stays cold.  The cherry blossoms popped and filled the base with pretty for a few days but they're already disappearing. It almost feels more like Fall.

*Things are--for the most part--back to normal around the base.  Many of those who "voluntarily departed" have returned.  But there are still a few friends and families who aren't back for various reasons.  And they are missed.

*Most non-essential programs and services are back up and running.  I started teaching pottery again this month!  (Hooray!!!)  But life still seems more subdued--and quieter somehow.  It's like people feel a tiny bit guilty for continuing with life and doing fun things.

*At church, something like 75 people are leaving this summer.  But only a few families have arrived so far to fill in the gaps.  (I'm sure more will come--just like every year.  But for awhile PCSing** into Misawa was put on hold and families were having to stay behind in the states while only the active duty spouse moved here.

* We are moving in 9.5 weeks.  But we don't have a home to go to and haven't officially signed papers on a job.  (Which is why I haven't announced where we're headed yet.  It's not a sure thing.  But we're planning on So. Cal.  Fingers crossed!)

*Japan is still in desperate need of help.  (See this very interesting Wash. Post article.)  But the sense of urgency has dissipated.  Although service projects are always in the works and volunteers are still doing clean up, it is no longer the sole topic of every conversation.

*There are far fewer aftershocks lately.  But just enough good jolts to keep you slightly on edge.  (An earthquake woke us up early two times this week.)

*I feel ready to leave Japan.  I feel like we've made the most of our time here and seen everything we've wanted to see--done everything we wanted to do.  And yet the thought of leaving is also daunting and depressing.  There is a lot to look forward to, but a lot we're leaving behind and many people and things we'll miss.  And it also feels wrong leaving with so much left un-done.  Japan has not been fully healed and repaired and I feel like we're quitters for leaving so soon.



So you see what I mean?  Strange!



**PCS=Permanent Change of Station.  One of the first acronyms I learned when I got here because everyone said "Did you PCS in or are you just visiting?"  My answer: blank stare.

Misawa Monday Preparedness Perspective - Robert

Can you find our Guest blogger on the Wall of Fame?

I tried all day yesterday to load these pictures of today's guest writer and couldn't get blogger to work.  So once again, I'm a little late posting.  But hey, I tried.  Today I'd like to introduce you to Bob/Rob/Robert.  He is a dentist here on base and a good friend of ours.  His wife Lyana is also a good friend and Doug and I love hanging out with them.  They have  three cute kids and the youngest, baby Mark, speaks Ukrainian.  How cool is that?  Rob and Lyana blog HERE.  (Be sure to search their blog for the Toilet Museum post.)

Top right corner!

Em, Lyana, Doug & Robert shoved into a teeny tiny Japanese photo booth

Recently we had the rare opportunity to utilize our 72-hour kit (well, some of it).  Now, I don’t claim to be the most prepared when it comes to emergencies, but thanks to my wife, I feel that we have a pretty smashing 72-hour kit.  That aside, let me tell you about our experience breaking open the kit.
The power went out after the first big quake hit.  With that, of course, went almost everything we take for granted everyday – internet, TV, lights, oven, stove, microwave (ahhhh!), refrigerator, cordless phones, dishwasher, laundry machines, and so forth.  You get the idea.  Obviously, some things are more important than others.  Luckily, water and sewer lines were working, so we didn’t have to get creative on that front.  Anyway, let’s talk survival.
You never know what situation you will be in when you need to use your 72-hour kit, so preparedness is key.  Our kit was set up so that we could grab it on a moment’s notice on our way out the door (worst-case scenario).  This time, luckily, we busted it out in the comfort of our own dark living room.
Our kit is divided into two large military backpacks, with smaller backpacks inside for each child.  Each of the older kids’ backpacks consists of:

• change of clothes – one year up in size
• you can always roll up or cut if too long.  Even though we were still at home, the kids were excited to wear the “new” clothes from their backpacks
• basic hygiene kit
• 2 bottles of water
• some granola bars or other snacks
• hand warmers
• stickers and crayons
• tissues
• extra pair of glasses and lens cleaner in Alex’s bag

Mark’s bag:

• wipes
• diapers – keep size updated
• diaper rash cream
• clothes – again, one size too big

The rest of the kit, split up between the two big bags:

• Vital documents
• copies of passports, marriage and birth certificates
• household inventory
• copies of stuff in your wallet
• contact information of friends and relatives
• Extra cash – $100 in small bills
• change of clothes for me and Lyana – long-sleeve shirt and pants can be used in any weather
• a WORKING radio – tape batteries to outside of radio
• test the radio beforehand (just a hint)
• flashlight – battery powered ones are less stressful
• wall-charger flashlights are fine, but rather difficult to recharge when electricity is out.  I don’t recommend them.
• I don’t like the crank-charge ones either.  Who wants to be turning a crank just for a few minutes of light.
• LED lights – even brighter than regular flashlights
• we had two LED headlamps and three LED circular lights that we could put on the table or hang on the wall.  I definitely recommend these.
• Lots of spare batteries. 
• The LED lights were nice because they are light (ie not heavy) AND they run on AAA batteries which are also fairly light. 
• Candles – portable, but really only practical when all your batteries are dead
• Fire starter sticks
• inflatable pillow – who knows?
• pocket knife
• cooking fuel
• ponchos
• alcohol hand sanitizer
• antibacterial wipes
• whistle
• spool of twine
• duct tape – some would argue that’s all you really need
• folding shovel
• a little bit of rope
• compass
• matches
• a good book – to pass the time away
• a good first aid kit – not just a few band-aids
• more hand and body warmers
• sewing kit
• doctor’s masks – easy to find in Japan
• permanent markers – gotta label stuff
• trash bags
• scissors
• aluminum foil
• paper towels
• can opener
• toilet paper
• paper plates and cups
• plastic utensils
• water purification tablets
• vaseline or chapstick
• plastic grocery bags
• wool blankets – we have 2
• almonds, cashews or other nuts
• MREs
• emergency food rations – like energy bars or those big bricks of barely palatable bricks (we have both)
• peanut butter – high protein and yum too
• freeze dried food – some random stuff
• Tums – guess why

Since we were still at home, we obviously didn’t use everything, but the experience certainly gave us a chance to re-evaluate the practicality of certain items.  (the bags are still in the living room being re-evaluated)  

1. Food – unless they were starving, I doubt the kids would eat much of what we had in the bags, especially the freeze-dried stuff.  Now I recommend food that you know the kids will eat and food that requires little or no preparation (who wants to be heating up water and pouring it carefully in a bag just so they can have a meal of reconstituted spaghetti?)  A special treat for the kids can be especially comforting during disasters or evacuations.  I also recommend a little bit of chocolate for the wife (Lyana told me to say that).
2. Water – fill up your containers before you need them.  I didn’t “get around to it,” but thankfully the water never stopped working here.  I filled up the bathtub as soon as I could . . . just in case.
3. Corded phone – wish I had one.  It doesn’t need to be in the kit, but when the power’s out, cordless phones are worthless.
4. Car keys – I never thought about this before, but why not put a spare key in the 72-hour kit.  That way, if you have to grab it and run, you don’t have to waste time looking for your keys.
5. Gas – I mean, fuel.  Both our cars were near empty when the earthquake hit.  Gas stations were closed so we were stuck with what we had.  I recommend keeping tanks no less than 1/4 tank and also have a full gas can in storage.
6. Cooking – I was very happy we had a BBQ with a full propane tank.  Many people, I heard, spent those two days eating cheese and crackers.  We had a full fridge and freezer full of food to use up, so we ate like royalty.  Had to invite the neighbors over to help us.  It also helped that we had some coolers, which I filled with food and buried in the ice and snow outside.

Okay, I think that’s good enough for now.  I’m exhausted just thinking about all of this.  But who wants to be thinking about this when they’re running out the door or just even when the power’s out?  Stocked and easily accessible is the key.
I’m off now.  If you have any questions, just ask . . . then I’ll refer them all to my well-prepared wife.
Rob


Thanks Robert!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

One Hot Mama!!!

At my mom's wedding to John

Baby Emily with Faezer in Cottonwood Hospital

Sunday, February 12, 1978
Three days after my birth.  From my mama's journal.  (Which she is letting me borrow.)

Sweet Emily...I sure love having her with me.  I talk and sing to her and she stares right into my eyes like she understands every word....It's peaceful, and a sunny day, and I sure feel happy and lucky to have my sweet daughter here at last.  I'm thankful and telling Heavenly Father real often how I love her and that I'll do my best to bring her and all the children back to Him.  My five babies have been my most faith-promoting experiences.  They have all been miracles--how can anyone doubt God's love and power?  The baby, in my opinion could easily have died in delivery, yet was born without one mark!  A perfect treasure to protect and give back to Heavenly Father still beautiful, pure and lovely!  What a challenge in these days.  I hope we can do our best with all five--they all belong to Him and have such great potential!

Hope you don't mind me sharing this, Mommy!  It sums up for me some of your greatest qualities as a person and as my mother:  Your strong faith in a loving Heavenly Father, and the tremendous love you have for your children.  (And now grandchildren.)  I love you lots and lots and can't wait to see you in August!  xoxoxo

Faezer holding Gabey-Baby

In Cape Cod after Gabey was born

Baby Gray's first "official" bath

And a special thank you to my mother-in-law Susan for raising such a great son!  He made me French Toast with caramelized peaches for breakfast, and a Thai feast for dinner today.  I think I'll keep him!   Plus, you're just a cool lady even without taking your exceptional off-spring into consideration!  We love you.  And some day I'll download a bunch of your photo's to show off on my blog! :)

To all the Mommies out there:  May you strive to be as cool as mine.

In front of Camino

To the FOUR boys who made me a mama:  Thank you for not leaving too many stretch marks.  I love you lots and lots.  Now please go flush and wash!

And to those of you who HAVE a mother (or two or three):  My mom can beat up your mom.  (If she wanted to, but she doesn't.)

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Welcome Home!

I still haven't blogged about our homecoming and here it is Tuesday and all day I was thinking it was Monday and I still had time to post my MMPP on time.  And yet, I'm sure I thought it was Monday all day on Monday too.  Yet still didn't publish it.  Sigh.

Well anyway, I wanted to quickly mention our arrival home.
Healthy Friend Janeen picked us up at the airport and drove us home.  Friend Lyana was waiting with Gabe (she'd graciously taken him off Janeen's hands for the day as we was getting a little anxious for Mommy to arrive.)

We got out and grabbed Gabey and smothered him in hugs and kisses.  Soon Sam arrived and got the same treatment.  We sent some neighbor boys to find Max in the backyard and eventually we got to see him too.

With his arm in a sling.

He said he'd crashed into the garbage building on his bike after school and Dr. B (whom he was staying with) had to take him in to Urgent Care.  He said he'd have to go back to get a cast put on in a few days.  I actually thought
"I'm surprised he's made it this long without breaking anything."  I also thought,
"Maybe Chessa will feel like we're even now - since I let little Z fall off my trampoline and break her leg!"  And finally I thought, while sitting with Max looking at his fingers poke out of the splint
"How in the world am I going to get that grubby little hand clean without soaking it in the tub for an hour?!?"

So we told the boys about our trip, showed them lots of pictures on the computer, gave lots of hugs, cuddled and passed out souvenirs.   I talked to Max about what happened, asked him if it hurt a lot...if he needed medicine...

Two hours or so passed and the boys wanted to go to the school to try out their boomerangs with Daddy.
Which is when Max took his sling, bandage, and splint off.

The little booger tricked us!  And I don't mean Max, I mean Dr. B.  The same infamous neighbor/home teacher/Dr. who took part in the "Pac-Maning" of my house last time I left the country!  O.B.'s evidently have WAY too much time on their hands.  (And you thought Ped Dentists had it easy, Wes?!)

Yes, he and Max cooked up the scheme just to torture us.  And Max pulled it off with exceptional showmanship and skill.  Punks!

So anyway, props to both for tricking us.

I'll have to figure out another way to make it up to Chessa.

Sometimes Nature is Stupid.

The wind ripped my trampoline apart.  And it was an anniversary gift, too!  Rude.

That had to hurt.

On the other hand, sometimes nature is really pretty so I forgive it for being stupid.

No, I'm not pregnant!  Leave me alone!!!

Boys in front of Hirosaki castle during Cherry Blossom Festival